Table 2 Summary of the key findings
Key themes identified | Subthemes |
|---|---|
Self-medication practices | The magnitude |
| Â | Perception |
| Â | Targeted group |
Categories of drugs and indications | Anti-malarial drugs for treating fevers |
| Â | Antipyretics/pain killers for fever and pain |
| Â | Antimicrobials for diarrhoea, coughing and wounds |
| Â | Antihelmintics for loss of appetite |
Outcomes of self medication | Seek treatment from health facility following treatment failure |
| Â | Change of the drug following treatment failure |
Reasons for engaging in self-medication | Shortages of drugs at health facilities |
| Â | Long waiting time at health facilities |
| Â | Long distance to health facility |
| Â | Inability to pay for health care costs |
| Â | Freedom to choose the drug of their choice |